Today In Space

Trevor Smith, Founder and CEO of Atomic-6, shares his origin story and journey from a commercial real estate broker to leading a company specializing in near-theoretical high-performance composites.

Some of Atomic-6's innovations include: - A composite debris shield for the International Space Station, which outperformed traditional aluminum shields in tests. - Development on a redeployable solar array system, Light Wing, which offers significantly improved space power efficiency. - Composite Radomes that provide a great balance of functionality and light-weighting - And so much more - with video examples!!

Trevor also shares on the importance of incentive alignment and 'delusional optimism' in order to succeed and lead in entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Atomic-6 in this episode and make sure to check out their website for more: https://www.atomic-6.com/

Timestamps: 00:00 Trevor Smith's Role as CEO and The Power of Incentive Alignment 02:22 Trevor's Origin Story and Early Career 06:32 Atomic-6's Early Days and Initial Challenges 17:57 Developing High-Performance Composites 21:16 Atomic Six's Defense and Space Applications 25:10 Space Armor and Its Applications 36:23 Light Wing: Redeployable Solar Arrays 44:20 Light Wing's Deployment and Benefits 44:20 Future of Space and Defense 56:61 Trevor's Advice for Entrepreneurs & "Delusional" Optimism

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch:

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

On this episode of Today In Space, we are honored to have the creators of "The Complete Book of Spacecraft" 2nd Edition on the podcast to discuss deeply about space, storytelling, and humanity in the 3rd Age of Spaceflight!

We begin learning about each creator's origin story, Michael H. Gorn, Giuseppe De Chiara, Davide Sivolella - all who are active within the space industry in their own way. We then dive into storytelling, the 3 Ages of Space, Human Spaceflight, and their thoughts on the Space Conundrum. If you are massive space fan this book & the podcast episode are for YOU!

And like any space-nerd podcast, we also debate the current state of space exploration, the evolving definition of an Astronaut, the duality of Civilian/Private & Military Space Programs, including NASA's decline, China's progress, and SpaceX's dominance. Thankfully, we close with a little optimism for the future, the importance of teamwork in space (and on earth), and hope for humanity after we've had a hell of a year so far in 2025.

So buckle up - and let's dive in! Thanks for joining us

Here's to building a fantastic future for all of us,

Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction & Origin Stories (Giuseppe, Michael, and Davide) 09:36 Concept and Creation of "The Complete Book of Spacecraft" 16:06 The Evolution of Space Programs & Their History 20:45 Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Space Exploration 52:45 The Role of Teamwork in Space (and on Earth)

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#spacecraft #aerospace #engineering #spacehistory #spaceexploration #NASA #Space #militaryspace #civilianspace #spaceconundrum #spaceindustry #space #spacetechnology #spacepolicy #SpaceX #Artemis #Moon #Mars

SpaceX Starship Flight 10 was AMAZING to watch live, and challenging, since it took three attempts! But SpaceX delivered. Big Time, with Flight 10.

We went through, cleaned up the audio, and got the live launch hangout from liftoff to landings! Relive Flight 10 with us! And make sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next live launch hangout!

Apologies for the very random posting. Catching up on content after some work over at AG3D Labs (lots more to come). Lots of good stuff, just a lot of work getting done!

Here's to building a fantastic future for all of us!

Your Host, Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps: 00:00 Starship Flight 10 Recap and Introduction 02:59 Countdown and Initial Flight Details 05:18 Booster and Starship Separation 10:00 Landing and Payload Deployment 32:50Orbital Insertion and Reentry 44:00 Reentry and Heat Shield Testing59:00 Landing Burn and Splashdown

Conclusion and Future Plans (1:04:24)

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!) ag3d-printing.com

Support us by getting some Today In Space Merch:

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen(3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com

I can't believe August is almost over! It's been a wild month, and I'm catching you up on all of it. From lay-offs, to new opportunities, and the lessons learned from the last "era" of my career, we're diving in! The Space Conundrum is in full effect - and like many I am feeling the times as I enter unemployment. I chat about my last 8 years in the 3D printing industry, some stories from the early days, and all of the lessons I am taking away from that awesome time with talented people.

On the other side of things, I am very excited to be on my new adventure fusing 3D printing + AI. A new chapter, new challenges, and more opportunities than I can pay attention to! Excited to share more with you - go over to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & make sure you sign up for our newsletter!

For the long time listeners - thanks so much for all your support, we're almost at 400 episodes! We're thinking something special for number 400...let us know if you have any ideas

Here's to building a fantastic future for all of us!

Your Host,

Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support us by getting some Today In Space Merch:

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

Alex shares his experience at the National Sports Card Convention in Chicago, highlighting the amazing VeeFriends community and the diverse collectibles he found, including a $12,000 signed Princess Leia card.

He discusses his car troubles en route to Maine, and draws parallels to totalled spacecraft contingencies and what space AAA might look like.

To close the episode, Alex promotes AG3D Labs, emphasizing 3D printing and AI tools, and discusses upcoming projects and shares his thoughts on NASA's workforce cuts, the progress of SpaceX's Starship Flight 10, and invites everyone to join in our live Stargazing and Vibes streams on social media.

Keywords: space science, VeeFriends community, emotional intelligence, National Sports Card Convention, trading card tournament, 3D printing, AG3D labs, AI tools, telescope, stargazing, NASA cuts, SpaceX Starship, software updates, hardware and software.

Timestamps: 00:00 Adventures in Space and Collectibles 02:45 Community Events and Car Troubles 05:49 3D Printing and AG3D Labs 08:27 AI Tools and Stargazing in Maine with our Telescope 16:14 NASA Updates and Future Plans

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Support us by getting some Today In Space Merch:

James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast:

• Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

In this episode, Alex discusses his transition from aerospace engineering to 3D printing with the next adventure being AI development. Also, we're getting Space Internet with Starlink!

Lot's of updates from Behind The Scenes at Today In Space - between a deep dive of what Space Internet is like, to AI Tool development, and stories about new adventures in life and career.

All while there is chaos about the funding at NASA and what the future holds in the second Space Conundrum. Not to mention, a new venture with Alex's friend & business partner Matt Guy of Niche3D (niche3d.io to learn more about Matt) on early August!

Let's dive in!

Thanks for joining us for our adventure here at Today In Space and AG3D Labs Here's to building a fantastic future, on Earth and off it - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)!

Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps: 00:00 Space Internet and Starlink 04:01 Skill Set LEVEL UP with AI 05:31 3D Printing and Podcasting Skill Adventures 07:33 Building Our Private AI and Getting Back to Coding 12:50 Future Plans and Announcements

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

Josh Dorfman, CEO, Co-Founder and host of Super Cool, joins us this week to share his origin story and entrepreneurial journey in climate technology, influenced by his parents' business and his international experiences. From sustainable furniture to founding Planted (a company that produces carbon-negative building materials), to now Co-Founder, CEO and Host of Super Cool, Josh is passionately working to bring the climate innovations happening around the world to business and individuals for a better planet - today. We also discuss the need for storytelling in order to promote climate tech innovations and the benefits to everyone. Great conversation!

Check out Super Cool! https://getsuper.cool/ Super Cool is a podcast, newsletter, and hosts curated events to spotlight climate innovators and initiatives and distill their playbooks for building the low-carbon future.

Here's to building a fantastic future, on Earth and off it - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps:

00:00 Josh Dorfman's Introduction and Podcast Setup 02:22 Josh Dorfman's Entrepreneurial Journey 13:00 Transition to Sustainability and Super Cool 25:36 Planted's Innovative Approach and Success 32:14 Super Cool and Climate Tech Innovations 38:29 AI and Energy Efficiency in Buildings 48:36 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption 54:08 Storytelling and Human Connection in Climate Advocacy 56:45 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#Climate #AI #Technology #ClimateChange #ClimateTechnology #Earth #Entrepreneur #BusinessOwner #Planted #SustainableTech #Sustainability #SpaceX

On Independence Day 2025, Alex discusses the current state of the U.S. space program and the world, searching for ways to navigate the chaos. We make historical parallels with the 1970s, during the end of the first space race and the post-Apollo era tumble (i.e. the end of the 1st Space Conundrum).

Alex emphasizes the importance of mental freedom and adaptability in navigating societal chaos, and how he is practicing gratitude and using it as a tool for maintaining focus on what matters. We close out with some gratitude on the return of the last 10 years of space progress, and the glimmer of hope Alex sees in humanity during these trying times.

Wishing you a fulfilling and restful Independence Day - urging you to find your own mental freedom, and finding insights into today by learning more about the 1970s.

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science

Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps:

00:00 Fourth of July Episode Introduction and Podcast Promotion 00:58 NASA Administrator and Budget Cut Chaos 01:54 The Space Conundrum Theory Revisited 03:50 Reflections on Space Progress and Societal Chaos 04:22 Gratitude unlocks my Mental Freedom 08:10 Independence and Space Industry Progress 10:58 Closing Remarks and Wishes for Independence Day

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (go to ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#Mars #Moon #NASA #SpaceExploration #TheSpaceConundrum #MoonToMars #HumansInSpace #TodayInSpace #NASA #JaredIsaacman #ElonMusk #SpaceX #Starship #Gratitude #Adaptability #1970

Welcome to Today In Space podcast - and another People of Space segment! This week we get an aerospace engineer's perspective. We learn about what it takes to develop a Human Landing System for NASA, and go head to head with the like's of Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in the Space Industry. But more importantly, we learn about values and how they can help us overcome burnout, reconnect with what matters, and live with purpose.

I'm excited to introduce the author of the book "The Unconditionals" - Andy Crocker. Andy is an aerospace executive with three decades of experience across human and robotic exploration, hypersonics, and missile defense. He's held senior roles at several companies, leading the development of innovative technologies and managing complex system programs for NASA, commercial, and Department of Defense customers. As a strategic leader, he's built high-performance teams and contributed to some of the most ambitious projects in aerospace, including NASA's Human Landing System.

For the space fans, you're in luck - we get to nerd out on all-things space! And for the newbies, we hope you enjoy this deep dive into topics like becoming an Astronaut, traveling to the Moon and Mars, and what the future might hold for all of us in space. One thing we know for sure - values will be important for everyone. Join us as we dive into the world of Aerospace Engineering and Space!

Learn more about Andy Crocker and his new book "The Unconditionals" here: https://andycrockerbooks.com

You can follow Andy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycrocker/ https://www.facebook.com/andycrockerbooks https://www.instagram.com/andycrockerbooks/

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 01:00 Andy Crocker's Introduction and Background 02:59 Inspiration for Writing "The Unconditional" 08:49 Challenges and Successes in the Human Landing System Program 30:29 The Importance of Values in Engineering and Life 35:56 The Future of Space Exploration and Personal Aspirations 42:47 Advice for Aspiring Space Engineers 01:01:18 The Impact of Space Programs on Society 01:02:06 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)! Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos

We'd like to thank our sponsors: AG3D Printing (ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903

SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640

Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#Mars #Moon #NASA #SpaceExploration #HumanLandingSystem #MoonToMars #HumansInSpace #TodayInSpace #SpaceResearch #Aerospace #MoonMission #MarsExploration #values

On this episode, we discuss the second attempt by the Japanese company iSpace to land their Hakuto-R rover on the moon. The lander was lost on descent and no communication followed. What happened? What was the root cause of the failure? Why is the moon so hard to land on?

This week we touch on the broader spectrum of space exploration, including the improbable but successful Apollo 11 mission and the challenges for the current push for lunar missions by various nations and private companies.

We'd love to know YOUR thoughts - so make sure to reach out to us on social or email us at [email protected]

Here's to building a fantastic future - and continued progress in Space (and humanity)!

Spread Love, Spread Science Alex G. Orphanos

Timestamps:

00:00 Ispace Moon Landing Attempt and Initial Findings 02:02 Challenges, Technical Issues, and Range Finder Problems 13:35 Comparison with Apollo 11 and Current Lunar Missions 20:32 Ispace's Future Plans and the Importance of Learning 20:47 Best-of Live Broadcast and Community Hangout 35:11 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

We'd like to thank our sponsors:

AG3D Printing (ag3d-printing.com to learn more & start 3D printing today!)

Today In Space Merch: James Webb Space Telescope Model (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1839142903 SpaceX Starship-Inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1602850640 Blue Origin New Glenn-inspired Rocket Pen (3DPrinted) https://ag3dprinting.etsy.com/listing/1859644348

Support the podcast: • Buy a 3D printed gift from our shop - ag3dprinting.etsy.com • Get a free quote on your next 3D printing project at ag3d-printing.com • Donate at todayinspace.net

#spacemoonlanding #resilience #moonlander #laserrangefinder #lunarsurface #spaceexploration #microrover #spaceindustry #moonlanding #spacetechnology #apollo11 #NASA #ESA #JAXA